Major conference planned for Ballyconnell

Ballyconnell is set to hold a major international conference later this year.

Ministers from across the world are to attend the OECD International Rural Development Conference in September, with hundreds of other delegates also expected.

Themed 'Building Sustainable, Inclusive and Thriving Rural Places', it’s hoped the conference will bring a boost to the local economy and showcase County Cavan to an international audience.

Announcing the news, local TD and Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys, said the conference is a big opportunity for the local area: “This year’s Conference will focus on 'Building Sustainable, Inclusive and Thriving Rural Places’ and will provide a great opportunity for us to exchange ideas about how we can all support our rural communities.

“I’m really pleased too that such an important event is to take in Ballyconnell, which is such an important rural part of west Cavan.

“With hundreds of people expected to stay in the Slieve Russell and other accommodation in the area, this will no doubt provide a much welcome boost to the local economy.”

Taking place on September 28 and 29, it’s the 13th OECD International Rural Development Conference.

Minister Humphreys said, by being asked to act as host, Ireland will have “a unique opportunity to showcase the progress being made under the Government’s five year rural development policy, Our Rural Future”.

The OECD, or Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, is a major international economic forum made up of 38 countries across Europe, North and South America and Asia.